Referee Classes

CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

The state referee association hosts regular classes for individuals looking to gain referee certification, as well as current referees looking to renew or upgrade their certifications. Please note that candidates intent on refereeing at an SSA location are welcome to attend any listed class hosted by an soccer club, not just an SSA-hosted class, should an alternate class be a better fit from a scheduling perspective. Once certified, an individual is able to sign up to an SSA location of their preference and referee games on a schedule convenient to them. For more details on the process, please click HERE.

Courses are as follows. For scheduled classes, click on 'Current Schedule':

Entry Course R9 Online & Classroom (for candidates 14-years-old or younger)Cost: $90, which breaks out as $50 for the class and $40 for registration with the United States Soccer Federation.

The Entry Class for R9 has of two parts, an online session and a classroom/field session that focuses on how to officiate. Both sessions are required. Register for a class, then log in and begin the online Session Tracker. Follow the directions on the screen allowing 2 - 6 hours to complete. Then attend the class you are signed up for. Please note that there will be low-intensity field work at second session, so dress appropriately. An R9 certification allows an individual to center referee Recreational games U12 and younger or act as an assistant referee for Recreational, Academy and Select games U14 and under, though GA Soccer rules do not allow an individual to referee in an age group older than the individual him/herself.

Current Schedule - Please click on a class date for more information and to register. Please note that you can choose any class offered by any club to get certified. Once certified, you can sign up to be assigned for games at the SSA location of your preference.

Entry Course R8 Online and Classroom (for candidates 15-years-old and older including adults)Next-Level Class for Current R9 Level RefereesCost: $90, which breaks out as $50 for the class and $40 for registration with the United States Soccer Federation.

Information in the class is the same as a Gr09 class, but the information is taught at a more advanced level to be used in the higher level matches encountered by a Gr08 referee. Session time will be the entry level course online as well as a nine hour weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) session in the classroom and on the field and a final exam. All online content must be completed before attending the class. An R8 certification allows an individual to center or assistant-referee any Recreational, Academy, or Select game, though GA Soccer rules do not allow an individual to referee in an age group older than the individual him/herself.

Current Schedule- Please click on a class date for more information and to register. Please note that you can choose any class offered by any club to get certified. Once certified, you can sign up to be assigned for games at the SSA location of your preference.

Grade 8 & 9 RecertificationEvery referee is required to take a recertification class for each registration year. The registration year runs from January 1 to December 31.

The Recertification course has two online components, one of which is the test on the Laws of the Game. The online learning must be completed before attending the classroom session. All three sessions are required for successful completion. Once you have registered for the course, log in, go to the class (Confirmed reg on the menu), and start the session tracker. Follow instructions.

Current Schedule - Please click on a class date for more information and to register